BUTLER TWP — The interim executive director of the United Way of Butler County now is the new executive director.

The United Way board Thursday morning voted to make Kierston Hobaugh the executive director. She was given a 1-year contract effective through June 2016.

“I’m very much looking forward to the challenges the position brings,” Hobaugh, 34, said.

Hobaugh was made the interim executive director in December after Leslie Osche resigned from the position to run as a Republican candidate for county commissioner.

Before this, Hobaugh was the director for results and performance at the United Way. Before that, she was a third-grade teacher in the Beaver School District.

Josh Fye, chairman of the board, said that Hobaugh jumped right into her role as interim executive director, going out and forming relationships with donors. He said that after the initial transition, it was clear that she was the right person to lead the United Way.

“Kierston’s done an excellent job in transitioning into the leadership role in the United Way office,” Fye said.

Hobaugh earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Ohio University in 2003, and got a master’s degree in early childhood and elementary education from Duquesne University in 2008.

She lives in Franklin Township, Beaver County, with her husband and two children.